The Canadian Motion Picture Exhibitor (Nov 1, 1941)

A Semi-Monthly
SUMMARY

‘ of World-Wide
Motion Picture

NEWS

~

Bere 7eENOr Oy 253 ese TENOE 2)

mex | THE

x

il

CANADIAN MOTION PICTURE

BITOR

____ TORONTO, NOVE ‘0, NO" OVEMBER Ist,

194]

——* Police Also Press Drive
On Under-Age Entrance
Quebec provincial police, directed by Marcel: epee: On Soviet Films

K.C., have undertaken a drive against Sunday shows and
under- -age admissions in that province. .
_ All theatre managers who have permitted children, under

20th Century
Theatres Shifts

Apparently the recent conven-
tion of the 20th Century Theatres
in Toronto helped bring about
some readjustments in the person-
nel. The boxofficers' got some
things off their chests in the heart-
to-heart talks that resulted from
the shoulder-rubbing of staff 'and
executives.

Gordon Beavis goes from the
Grand, Sudbury, to the Marks,
Oshawa and Garnet MHeatherly
from the Regent, Sudbury, to the
Centre, London. The Regent spot
will be filled by Vernon Burns, now
at the Marks, Oshawa.

Mel Stephens, Centre, London,
moves to the Granada, Dunnville,
replacing Pat Dunne, who moves
to the Royal, North Bay. Max
Phillips leaves the Royal for the
Grand, Sudbury. Jack Reith of
Chicago takes over the Midtown,
Toronto.

Hanson Opens Office

Oscar Hanson, who recently se-
vered an 11-year association with
N. L. Nathanson, has opened tem-
porary offices at 105 Bond Street
for his Pioneer Films Ltd. and
other activities.

Hanson retains his holdings in

16 years of age to enter their
premises or who have pre-
sented stage shows on Sunday
will be summoned to court
under the Sunday Observance
Act, a provincial statute. A
large percentage of the city’s
theatres are reported affected by
the drive undertaken under orders
of Hon. W. Girouard, the attorney,
general.

Whether the strict interpreta-
tion of the edict would: close shows
in cabarets, night clubs, and res-
taurants on Sunday in the future
could not be ascertained. A gov-
ernment official stated:that cabar-
et shows.would appear to be af-

fected but that their special cha-

racters and ‘common _ usage,’
which has force of law, according
to the act, might make them ex-
ceptions to the act.

According to the Attorney-Gen-
eral’s statements in Quebec con-
cerning the Sunday presentations,
strict orders have been given to
the Provincial Police to see that
the legislation be observed and
that any stage presentations, vau-
deville acts, “or anything else’,

several Nathanson enterprises. No| 2re “absolutely forbidden” in any
attempt has been made to acquire | Quebee theatres on Sunday.

them.

(Continued on Page 2)

Pioneers of Pix to Mix; Nix
Trix at Annual Blather Bee

Calling all Canadian Motion Pic-
ture Pioneers.

The annual meeting of the as-
sociation of old-time filmites has
been announced, the main purpose
being to elect officers. The young
men (old style) of the magic lan-
terns, .ex-conductors of horse-and-
buggy flickerterias, survivors of a
thousand and one _ song-plugger
sessions and a million flashes of
“One Minute Please’ will gather
to hark back—and look forward.

There’ll be no sashaying this

time. T’ain’t fittin’ these desper-
ate days and the boys know it. But
there’ll be joshin’. And _ serious
business too. They’re going to
figure how to do any possible
thing that will help the cause of
Democracy and the spirit of the
people. To add to their envious
record of service.

The place: King Edward Hotel,
Toronto. The day: Tuesday, No-
vember 18th. The time: 12.30 noon.
The background: A luncheon.

Be there, boy!—if you belong.

Extra ! |
Fred Brown Boodled

During. the 20th Century
convention Lloyd Mills, Char-
lie Stephenson, Fred Brown
and some of the lads were
killing. time in the lobby of
the King Edward Hotel. Fred
Brown took to ribbing Lloyd
Mills every time they passed
the cigar stand. It seems that
a 50 cent cigar had caught
Fred’s eye.

“Gosh,” -goshed Fred, “I’d
sure. like to own one of those.”
At first Mr. Mills ignored the
invitation. After a few times,
haunted and taunted, he dug
down, bought the smoke and
presented it to Fred. “Thanks,”
said Fred. “I won’t smoke this
for a while yet.” He parked
the cheroot in his vest pocket.

That night Mr. Brown turn-
ed up at the Victory opening
party, cigar and all. In ambled
Abe Sprachman, the architect.
Surreptitiously, he put the
snatch on the 50-center. It was
-well-puffed by the time Brown
found he had been boodled. |

“The first time in my life
I ever owned a 50 cent cigar,”
he lamented, “And I don’t
even get to smoke it!”

Ray Allen Resigns

Raymond Allen, Supervisor for
Theatre Holding Corporation and
Premier Operating, is ending his
connection with those organiza-
tions. His resignation, tendered
and accepted, is effective on No-
vember ist. Allen has been with
those firms for 13 years.

Allen stated that he isn’t ready
to “announce his future plans.

Official Organ
of the
INDEPENDENT
THEATRES
ASSOCIATION

$5.00 Per Annum

Quebec vs. Sunday Live Bills

Ontario Ends Ban

The first evidence that the On-
tario Board of Censors has re-
laxed its ban against Russian and
other foreign films comes with the

| announcement that “Volga Volga,”

a Soviet musical, will open a run
at the Hollywood, Toronto, on No-
vember 3rd. This will be the first
Russian full-length film to receive
a public showing in Ontario in
over three years.

Shortly after Russia joined the
allies selected clips were permit-
ted insertion into newsreels. Later
several complete newsreels of the
Russian defence, passed in Eng-
land, were distributed throughout
the Dominion. Many exhibitors felt
it inevitable that Soviet features
of a non-propoganda nature would
cnce again be permitted distribu-
tion in Canada.

There is no national ban against
foreign films in Canada. The situ-
ation is the result of Censor Board
policy, not legislation. Quebec and
Ontario were first to stop the
showings and other provinces fol-
lowed suit. Russian films, mostly
16 mm., had considerable popu-
larity. in Canada’s Slavic areas,

(Continued on Page 2)

Exhibitors Join
Savings Drive

Motion picture exhibitors
throughout the Dominion are as-
sisting in the War Savings Cam-
paign, which began on October
20th and ends November 20th. The
Movie section of the Publicity
Committee, manned by Dick Main
and Bob Eves, asked all theatres
to brighten up the fronts with
flags and bunting.

Arangements were made to pass
on advertising material to man-
agers and exhibitors with film de-
liveries by Mavety and Harper.
Those who pick up their own films
can get what they need from the
advertising department of Regal,
277 Victoria St., Toronto.

Page 2

UF xiii

Published Semi-Monthly by the
INDEPENDENT THEATRES
ASSOCIATION

HYE BOSSIN
Managing Editor

Vol. 7, No. 21 Nov. Ist, 1941

Subscription Rates: Canada and
U.S.: $5.00 per annum
ESE 28
Address all communications to
The Managing Editor
The CANADIAN EXHIBITOR

21 Dundas Square
AD. 4318

Toronto, Canada

Nova Scotia
Allied Meets

W. H. Ouzner, Strand, Sydney
Mines, was returned to office as
president of the Allied Exhibitors
of Nova Scotia at this year’s meet-
ing in Halifax. Also retaining of-
fice as secretary-treasurer is T. J.
Courtney, Casino Halifax. M. E.
Walker, Gaiety, Halifax, became
the vice-president.

The Board has on it J. Bustin,
Imperial, Windsor; F. Gregor, Ma-
jestic, New Waterford; N. Green,
Russel, Glace Bay; A, Fielding,
Capitols, Digby and Bridgewater;
P.. Dwyer, Family, Halifax,

The character of the organiza-
tion has altered somewhat from
its independent state, Odeon being
represented by T. J. Courtney,
and Franklin & MHerschorn by
Pp. J. Dwyer. The Walker string
is also affiliated.

N. W. Mason was named honor-
ary vice-president.

Quebec

(Continued from Page 1)

A number of summonses against
operators of moving picture houses
and theatres have already been
issued and those found disobeying
-the law will be given -notice to
appear in court.

WANTED AT ONCE
FOR CASH

1500 Used Theatre. Chairs
Any Condition

State All Particulars
BOX . NO. 26—The Canadian. Motion
Picture Exhibitor, 21. Dundas. Square,
Toronto

pe

The Exhibitor
Yamins re Toronto

Member of the Allied State Association of Motion
Picture Exhibitors, one of two leading American organiza-
tions of that nature, have been squabbling ever since
their recent Philadelphia convention. Point of issue is the
resolution, supported by Abram F. Myers, general counsel,
and the executive board to form an all-industry board.
Nathan Yamins, former president and a leading figure,
opposed it. He was supported by a majority of delegates.
The board resigned. Peace was established when it was
agreed to submit the idea to the membership by plebiscite.

The controversy between Myers and Yamins continued
by letter. To Myers, according to Film Daily, Yamins
wrote: “I tried to make it clear that not the intent but the
effect of the resolution would be to emasculate the inde-
pendence of Allied and would result in making Allied into
another MPTOA as was done in Toronto.”

We wrote to Yamins to explain his Toronto reference.
He writes in reply:

“My reference, which was known to those who attend-
ed the convention, was to the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of America which held a convention in the city of
Toronto in 1928 or 1929, which I attended.

“At that time I was a member of the Executive Com-
mittee of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America,
and at the convention in Toronto a vote was passed giving
the affilitaed theatres the right to vote, and, in view of
the fact that the major portion of the dues was paid by
affiliated theatres, this automatically placed the control of
the independent Theatre Owners Association of America
into the hands of the Hays organization. Subsequent events
proved that this was actually so because thereafter the
dues of the atfiliated theatres were paid directly by the
Hays organization, which, as you know, is the producers’
and distributors’ association, to the MPTOA; and here in
America everybody in the industry knows that the MPTOA
is nothing but a tool of the Hays organization.

“All these matters are known to the exhibitors in this
country, and when a reference is made to what happened
in Toronto, it isn’t because of anything that was done by
the Canadian people that we can point the finger of scorn
at, but rather because that happened to be the place where
Independent Exhibitors were sold to the Producers and
Distributors.”

The vote by mail was favorable enough to cause Allied
to go further with the scheme. A committee has been ap-
pointed to determine the reactions of the various branches

of the industry. The MOPTA will be offered a chance to
co-operate.

Quebec-Made Films

The popular’ French-Canadian
comedian, Gratien Galinas, whose
stage name is “Fridolin,” is equip-
ping studios in St. Denis for the
production of 16 mm. films.
These will be shown to French-
speaking audiences’ throughout
Quebec province.

Galinas. returned recently from
Hollywood, where he studied pro-
duction methods.

Green NFB's USA Man

Wesley Greene of Chicago, for-
merly of the International Film
Bureau, Chicago, has been placed
in charge of non-theatrical distrib-

ution in the United States for the.

National Film Board of ‘Canada.

Greene’s. address continues at
59 East Van Buren Street, Chi-
cago.

November Ist, 1941

Ontario Ends Ban
On Soviet Films

(Continued from Page 1)

and most of these were shown in
halls.

It is felt that growing public
admiration for the Soviet’s heroic
resistance against the Nazis was
responsible for the Board’s action.
Russian films in the USA, which
lost most of their appeal after
the Russ-German treaty, have
been making a big comeback.
South America and Mexico report
many more dates and holdovers.
In England and parts of the Em-
pire public protests have forced
the withdrawal of “Comrade X”’
and other films that ridicule the
Soviet. Russia’s heroic stand has
caused the man in the street to be
short-tempered with celluloid
sneers at Britain’s ally.

Silverthorn Explains

“There is really nothing you can
criticize in ‘Volga Volga,’” ex-
plained Mr. O. J. Silverthorne,
chairman of the Ontario Board of
Censors. “It’s all folk music and
has no propaganda. I feel that it
will be accepted favorably.”

The chairman added that no
more 16 mm. foreign films would
be permitted, these being too diffi-
cult to regulate or control because
of their being shown in halls and
homes. Only features for theatre
showings would get consideration.

The one exception to the ban
on foreign pictures has been the
National Film Society, a subscrip-
tion organization. ‘Their films re-
ceive the same scrutiny,” said Mr.
Silverthorne, “but their activities
are under good auspices.”

Cohn Distributes

“Volga Volga” created consider-
able excitement among critics and
patrons during its American run.
It was highly praised as entertain-
ment and proof that Soviet films
are growing up. It was played in
every big city and press favor re-
sulted in surprising business.

John Cohn of Toronto is respon-
sible for bringing the film to Can-
ada. He expressed himself as hav-
ing no doubt as to what public
reaction would be.

“The picture makes no political
point whatever,” Mr. Cohn said.
“In fact, it criticizes the conduct
of a certain type of Russian of-
ficial. It’s all music and comedy.
The Russians are famous for their
music and art. You can hear it on
the radio and in theatres every
day. Hollywood films feature it.
So does this one.”

There is a large shelf of Soviet
features available. Since June five
new Russian films have arrived
in the USA. England has received
two. Quite a numiber have been
shown in the USA and _ shipped
back after the runs ended. Many
of these are musical subjects.

tees RE Ney teers tay AO eee erectile. ihanaritha Tillie rl a AS a sSNA LI = an her fl pel BA SS in eta nth

November lst, 1941

Kildare Greets
Can dn Druggists

Regal’s exploitation end, under
Dewey Bloom, came through with
a smart tieup for Pharmacy Week
in Canada. The Canadian Pharma-
ceutical Association got a wire
from Dr. Kildare reading: “It is
indeed a pleasure to congratulate
Canadian Druggists on the occa-
sion of “Pharmacy Week’. I am
keenly aware of the important
part being played by druggists in
maintaining the health of the com-
munity. Best wishes from Lionel
Barrymore, Laraine Day and yours
sincerely— Lew Ayres (Dr. Kil-
dare).”’

The Canadian Pharmaceutical
Journal ran the wire full-page size
and invited the pill-rollers to paste
it on their windows.

Drug stores were also given two
Dr. Kildare tieups and stills made
available for their use during the
week of October 19.

British Coin Released

Under the new monetary agree-
ment negotiated by the State De-
partment of the United States
Government’ with the British
Treasury, $40,000,000 of frozen
funds will be released to Ameri-
can film distributors.

The initial payment of $7,850,-
000 has been divided between
seven majors.

During 1940-41 the Americans
were permitted to withdraw $12,-
900,000.

Power Cut

This coming winter will see
considerable reduction in marquee
and sign lighting, according to
the Ontario-Hydro Electric Com-
mission. Billboard advertisers may
be given time limits. Cities and
towns have been asked to go
easy on street lighting.

War plants need the power.

Now

AS FOR THE
PAST 30 YEARS

For Satisfaction
In Theatre
Equipment

PERIGINS

~ COMPANY LIMITED
277 VICTORIA STREET 2027 BLEURY STREET
TORONTO MONTREAL

The Exhibitor

On the Square

By HYE BOSSIN

Joe Myers, who used to manage the Calgary office of Regal
until he got sick a while ago, dropped in for a session of yarning.
Joe made the same smart impression around this part of the land

that he enjoyed in the West for so many years. He just got back
from Ottawa and he’s playing his cards pretty close to the vest.
Ain’t saying much and open for ideas but it’s expected that he’ll
be busy on the exhibitor end of the game any day now.

Joe was talking about his old friends in the West, such as
Matt Park, S. G. and Mrs. Stevenson, Stan Bailey, Bert Headley
and Sam Tyler. He told about the time Sam Tyler wearied of
the public whims and retired from the business.

“You'll be back,” said Joe, knowing his love for the business
and for beautiful houses. ‘And probably have a house so nice
that you’ll entertain royalty in it some day.”

That was some years ago. A couple of weeks ago the trade
press carried pictures and stories of the Duke and Duchess of
Windsor watching a screening of “Sergeant York’’—in Sam Tyler’s
house in High River. And there stood Sam. And they say it’s
as pretty a place as ever housed a screen.

oo * % * Co

Leonard Bernstien, assistant booker at Columbia, has joined
the air force ... Frank Kavanaugh, the artist, stopped us the
other day with: “I’ve heard of shows giving away money, books,
silverware and even gas ranges but this is going too far.” He
pointed at an ad in a Detroit paper for a Drive-In movie. Part
of it read “Free Cars and Children” ... Harland Rankin, whose
Chatham house was looted, can now harmonize “We Wuz Rob-
bed!” with Jack Alexander of the Brock, Toronto. Thieves bagged
$15 out of the cash box. The receipts had been transferred. This
isn’t the first time. Same thing happened a couple of years ago.
At that time Jack had chanced to move the receipts to another
part of the office and the burglars bungled the search.

* * * % *

The other day this scribitzer, who has graduated from
leaning against lampposts to inclining on _ boxoffices, was
gabbing with the purt and purty miss who whacks the ticket
winder for a big Yonge street theatre.

The gal wagers the odd buck on the bangtails. An admirer,
she said, had given her a winner every day for weeks. A nag
named Mr. Maginnis was his nomination that day. Just then
Barney Fox passed. Mr. Fox has equine inclinations. We called
him over.

“Mr. Maginnis!” he jeered. ‘‘Why, I could spot that pig six
furlongs and beat him to the wire!” The last we saw of Mr.
Fox was the sneer.

The next day Raoul Auerbach, a sometimes partner in Mr.
Fox’s horsey holdings, greeted us contemptuously. “Mr. Magin-
nis!” he said sarcastically. It seems that Mr. Fox got to thinking
it over and inveigled Auerbach into a joint wager. Mr. Maginnis
finished so far back that a man with a lantern ran on the track
as he passed and hollered, “They went thataway!”’

The next day we chided the lovely tipster.
shrugged, ‘You can’t win all the time.”

“Well,” she

Nor can you, boys. But if you’re still of a mind to risk a
little and make a lot, why, I just got a wire...

* * * * *

Ray Allen’s resignation from Premier Operating came as a

surprise to the trade. Ray has been with them so long that such

news seems hard to accept. He was popular on the street and
with the personnel and it’s being hoped that his new plans won’t
take him away from the familiar’ places in which he is so highly
regarded ... Lloyd Gurr, of the Century, Hamilton, got a sudden
blitz of appendix and is filling a hospital cot right now. Stew
Gillespie came up from Ottawa to take charge of things and has
had his hands full with “A Yank in the R.A.F.” . .. Toughest
luck guy at the recent 20th Century Theatre convention was Dick
Freeman, Community, Toronto. The pictures of the banquet
are out—and so is Dick. Somebody shouldered him and he ended
up offside.

if

Page 3

Gaumont-British _
Changes Hands

General Cinema Finance Com-
pany, an English company which
operates through General Film
Distributors, has acquired control
of Gaumont-British, in which 20th
Century-Fox has considerable in-
terest. The change resulted from
the purchase of 51 per cent of the
Metropolis and Bradford Trust
from the Ostrer group.

Charles M. Woolf, Arthur Rank
and Lord Portal are the persons
concerned. Directorial setup is still
to be arranged. The price is said
to be somewhere near $4,000,000.

Nazi Pix Dive

The report of the Maryland
Board of Censors on the showings
of foreign films in the past year
is a refiection of American sym-
pathies during the present crisis.

German films have dropped from
first place to last and British films
are still climbing. Six Russian pic-
tures played to good business dur-
ing the year.

e e
Curtiz-Cagney Again

Michael Curtiz has been assign-
ed to direct “Yankee Doodle Dan-
dy,” film version of. the life of
George M. Cohan, in which War-
ner Bros. will star James Cagney.
Curtiz has just finished directing
Cagney in “Captains of _ the
Clouds,” the $2,000,000 Technicol-
or special about the Royal Canad-
ian Air Force. “Yankee Doodle
Dandy” is tentatively set to go
before the cameras on November
24, when Cagney will have return-
ed from his current vacation trip
to the East.

Irving Rapper, who _ directed
“One Foot In Heaven,” has had
his option lifted for another term
by Warner Bros., and then was
assigned to direct ‘Humoresque.”

LL == -

HEATING AND VENTILATING

CONTRACTORS AND ENGINEERS
WAM be 8

A ee, ee

Page 4

The Exhibitor November lst, 1941

COLUMBIA
TEXAS

WARNERS

A well-scaled western with a plot much like MGM’s “Billy| ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN

the Kid.” William Holden and Glenn Ford are the ex-pals for
and against the rustlers who also compete for Claire Trevor.
She goes for badman Holden but winds up with goodguy Ford
when the former is erased.

It’s plenty scenic, entertaining and exciting. There’s a
very funny prizefight under old-time rules, community singing

A grand picture about the problems of a preacher. Deeply
human and always interest-arresting. Some Canadian back-
ground. Frederic March, Martha Scott and an: ace crew of
supporting players.

and dancing, and a stampede. Gun fights, too. Edgar Bucha-| BLUES IN THE NIGHT

nan, George Bancroft and Don Beddoe help it mightily.

REPUBLIC

THE PITTSBURGH KID

This is a pugilistless exhibition designed to snare the

admirers of Billy Conn, who was whacked out by Joe Louis

a couple of jousts ago. Most of its sporting appeal was present

immediately after the fight. But, though Conn can’t emote,

it’s still an okay topper. That’s publicity for you. Plot is the

one about the fighter in bad hands saved by the bell a few times

and finally by the girl. With Jean Parker, Dick Purcell, Alan
Baxter and Veda Ann Borg.

PARAMOUNT
BIRTH OF THE BLUES

This is pre-war (No. 1) stuff and highly potent. The best
Crosby yet is this saga of jazz and its early days in the
white world. The oldsters will listen with a glow to the old
favorites, the ballad bugs will get a full measure of Crosby, and
the jitter-kids will love it.

Though light on comedy, it’s gay all the way as well as
musically lively. And cast for pulling power. There’s Mary
Martin, Brian Donlevy, Rochester, Jack Teagarden, Warren
Hymer and Harry Barris and other film and music figures.

There isn’t much story and it’s just as well. Crosby is} THE
the white crusader for colored music. He collects a hand.
Story deals with its ups and down.s

Get on this bandwagon—if you can afford it.

THE

R.C.A. “High Fidelity” Sound Systems

Northern Electric ‘Mirrophonic”
Sound Systems

Motiograph Projectors

Century Projectors

Ashcraft Arc Lamp Equipment
{mperial “Stedypower” Generators
Forest Rectifiers

R.C.A. Hurley Screens

Celotex Acoustical Materials

- -- Also Other Miscellaneous
Booth Supplies.

This picture may turn out to be a surprise. Though it
has no A names, it is solidly cast from an acting standpoint and
for A2 clientelle. It has the musical appeal of two ace bands,
those of Jimmy Lunceford and Will Osborne and there are five
good new numbers in it.

It certainly is different, in that it is drama and tragedy
against a background of jazz. A group of barnstorming musi-
cians and a vocalist, Priscilla Lane, who is married to leader
Jack Carson, get their break in a honk-tonk run by Lloyd
Nolan. Betty Field, a hateful wench smitten with Nolan, kicks
the men around and almost breaks up the band but Priscilla
Lane’s goodness keeps it together.

A newcomer to the screen but not the stage, Richard Whorf,
puts on a great performance as the pianist driven off his head
by the Field virus. There are masterful montages of what goes
through the mind of a demented jazz musician that are scari-
fying. Wallace Ford and Elia Kazan both do fine work.
Anatole Litvak directed.

It moves fast, is consistently interesting and has so many
many ingredients that it makes one of the most unusual mixtures
in some time. Yet it all jells.

MALTESE FALCON

Here’s the beSt cop-crook mystery in a long time. John
Huston, son of Walter, did the direction and screenplay. He
hooked it together as expertly as a breakaway bicycle. Au-
dience interest is almost maximum. Though comedy is absent,
it isn’t even missed. The title describes a jewel-studded statue
of a bird and the hunt for it. Bogart is tops but a newcomer
of vast girth, Sydney Greenstreet, makes a powerful bid for
honors. . There is the able assistance of Mary Astor, Glady’s .
George, Peter Lorre, Barton MacLane, Jerome Cowan and
Elisha Cook, Jr.

RKO

GAY FALCON

Easy-going murder puzzle about the private dick who beats
the cops to crooks and who wants to quit but can’t. George
Sanders, Wendy Barrie, Allen Jenkins and Gladys Cooper.

FOX

MAN AT LARGE

Scotland Yard and the FBI join to track down a Nazi
spy ring in the USA. Story starts with a German prisoner

‘escaping from a Canadian prison camp and there’s the slightest

amount of Canuck color. Slow and somewhat senseless.

George Reeves and Richard Derr: are ' the man-power.
Marjorie Weaver is the interfering receptionist who wants to be
a reporter. Truth to tell, is becomes annoying as the idea
grows that FBI and Scotland Yard are being used as a sort of
comic opera background. It just ain’t right just now.

REGAL

DOMINION SOUND UNHOLY PARTNERS

EQUIPMENTS LIMITED

Head Office: 1620 Notre Dame Street West, Montreal
Brancnes at: HALIFAX TORONTO WINNIPEG REGINA CALGARY VANCOUVER

A NATIONAL THEATRE SERVICE|

Nothing .much new but mostly exciting is this gangster-
press melodrama of the first post-war and the last pre-crash
period. Ed G. Robinson, having left the army for his old job
as editor, hooks up with gambler Ed Arnold to float his pet
idea, a tabloid. The conflict arises over whether news of
Arnold’s activities shall appear. No laughs at all.

Other names: Loraine Day, Marsha Hunt, William T. Orr,
Don Beddoe and Walter Kingsford. It'll do.

November Ist, 194]

Ottawa Gives
Film Figures

The Canadian department of
trade and commerce has issued a

report showing the production and
distribution of government and to-

pical films during the past fiscal
year by the Motion Picture Bureau
which is understood to have been
taken over by the National Film
Board in recent weeks.

The bureau released 1,404 prints
of new films, approximately 70,000
feet of new film material being ob-
tained by staff cameramen with
the bulk dealing with war and
national service activities in all
parts of Canada, at sea and in the
air. A proportion of these were
still silent films.

At the close of the fiscal period
the bureau had 6,820 prints in
active circulation in 30 different
countries of the world although
the number of countries was ap-
preciably cut down because of the
war, distribution in Europe being
practically nil with the exception
of Switzerland where 58 films were
in use. The United Kingdom and
Eire had 985 Canadian official
films in spite of bombing raids
and war activities.

The United States stood at the
top of the list with a total of
3,248 Canadian films, the distribu-
tion there being far greater even
than in Canada which had 1,827
prints on the go. It is also inter-
esting to note that,
the tense situation. Japan had 29
films—probably until the time
when trade with that country was
banned.

Distribution in other countries
in the year included the following:
Australia, 287 prints; British West
Indies, 9; China, Straits Settle-
ment, Dutch East Indies, 97; Cuba,
8; Panama, 8; India, 61; Mexico, 6;
New Zealand, 81; Greece, 11;
South Africa, 83, and South Am-
erica 56. It was estimated that
Canadian government pictures had
an audience of 35,000,000 people
during the 12 months.

Announcement is made that a
contract was signed with a film
distributor at Singapore for the
theatrical release of Canadian
films in British Asiatic possessions
and the East Indies while theatre
distribution in Australia, New Zea-
land, South Africa, British West
Indies and other parts of the Em-
pire had been well maintained and
increases had been secured in
South America. In Canada nearly
700 theatres regularly exhibited
the “Canada Carries On’ series
each month, thus making these
prints the most widely screened
films of any type in this country,
it was claimed.

in spite of |

The Exhibitor

Picture Pickups

Roly Young, in the Toronto Globe & Mail, had a letter from
two of his readers, “A & G”, telling about movie likes and dislikes.

It’s worth Enns as a guide to customer reaction to the types
of product:

“At a small party when a dozen of the older folk, all over
sixty, were gathered, the movies were discussed. Four points on
which there was general agreement came out. Comedy, drama
and musical shows were preferred. War, Western and gangster
pictures were out, Westerns being enjoyed until they came in
droves like the Western cattle. As to comedy of the Marx,
Costello and Formby class, once was enough. Slapstick is strictly
for youth. We need another Chaplin. Most of us prefer to go
twice weekly to the neighborhood theatre, rather than once to
the higher-priced central theatres. Our men cannot go to
matinees. Neighborhood theatres where the audience expresses it-
self in cat calls, whistles, and loud comments are out. There is a
lack of agreement between the better neighborhood theatres, which
would make it possible for them to show a different class of
picture in each. When they are all running War, Western, Gang-
sters or fillers -without any rating, the old folks just stay at
home.”

One of the best ideas pertaining to the recent aluminum
matinees was carried out by H. S. Humphrey of the Windsor,
Grenfell, Sask. He ran the first metal show in the province and
collected “a couple of cords” of the valuable stuff. The boy
scouts moved the collection out to one of the streets, where,
before a large crowd, a tractor flattened the stuff for shipment.
A tank could serve the same purpose. A band played throughout
and the Red Cross garnered it at the end of the job.

# # co * co

I listened in on a session of yarning the other day between
Frank “Pop” Meyers and Charlie Stephenson about the days in
the business that are dead and gone. The years rolled away as
the personalities and problems of other times shone again. These
lads are living histories of the theatre around here.

They got to talking about John Griffith, a forthright fellow
who brought the flickers to Toronto and Ontario. Griffith was
one of the best-known showmen on the continent. He was
advance man for Barnum’s circus and was known as the greatest
remover of blue laws and other obstructions in the DUBINERS.
Barnum mentioned him in his will.

Charlie Stephenson was a good friend of his and Frank
Meyers, as a youngSter, managed one of the houses on his string.
Griffith could give an actor 52 weeks booking in the province. So
Charlie says. And Frank told how he disciplined unruly actors
by booking them for an Elk Lake date. You had to portage,

lugging your baggage, on the way. They suffered for their art

in those days—and for Griffith.

Meyers told about the time that Griffith, swinging around the
circuit, stopped in a St. Kitts barber shop for a shave. He
thought he’d pick up a little info about the state of things in the
local theatre. ‘“‘Where’s a good show?’ he asked the barber.

“Any,” the heretofore silent barber replied, “but that Griffith
house. Stay out of there. It’s godawful!”’

Griffith nearly burst a blood vessel. He rubbed his face.
moving towards the door. “I’ve been shaved in nearly every
town on this continent,” he said, “but I want to.say here and
now that this is the worst scraping I ever had!”

He got out before the barber recovered. Griffith, who hated
blather with his lather and made it plain at the start,. never
violated his own rule again.

Charlie and his partner, a song-and-laugh team, played the
Griffith wheel. Charlie’s friendship didn’t interfere with’ Griffith’s
attempts at economy. In one spot he ‘tried to pay them $40
instead of the agreed $50. But*Charlie knew how to ‘handle him.

“All right. John,” he said, “I guess you-need the money to buy
coal with and heat up this damp, cold place. Take it.” _

Griffith, a great fellow for his pride, kicked in the other ten-
spot.

. i m~ _——$—— 6
i , ————————————
— r m4 a“
SS ~ ¥ Bo.
:
2 5 :
;
=
: :
“J
b » = ae
4
:
:

Page 95

Notice !
Change of Address

CANADIAN

AUTOMATIC
CONFECTIONS

Ltd.
SYD TAUBE—Mcr.
MOVED TO:

939 KING ST. W.

TORONTO

UA to Produce

United Artists has bought Wal-
ter Wanger Productions, Inc. and
will become a production organiza-
tion. The purchase gives UA 100
per cent of the stock. The com-
pany at present is a releasing
organization. It will be known as
United Artists Productions, Inc.

Organization of the new setup
will begin immediately. Little has
been said of late about UA’s re-
cently-announced intention of en-
tering the theatre operation field
but it is presumed that there is
no change of plan.

It is expected that Gradwell L.
Sears, now -general sales manager
of Warners ‘and: vice-president of
Vitagraph, ‘will ‘become president.

TR. 1287

Page. 6

The Exhibitor

Going After Them!
By Lloyd M. Mills

W are pleased to welcome,
Manager Joe Paul to our|
“Going After Them” group. For
his campaign on Columbia’s grand
show, “Wilhelmstrasse 110,” Joe
put up some swell hooks and con-
sequently did record-breaking bu-
siness. He used, for over two
weeks in advance on his stage,
large cutout letters about a foot
high. These were painted a flat
black, with a narrow white bord-
er all the way around each letter,
and made to stand about four
inches back of the footlights.

I

The footlights had red frosted
bulbs and when they went on the
letters took on the perfect appear-
ance of neon. Joe created interest
by running teaser ads in the local
papers with no theatre mention.
He made a rubber stamp of just
the title and stamped hundreds of
newspapers and magazines on the
stands. And possibly, if the truth
were known, he also stamped a
lot of carrier boys’ papers before
they delivered same.

In two prominent spots in town
he had two large silhouetted fig-
ures of soldiers carrying the title.
These were larger than six-sheet
size. This, in advance, grabbed the
eye at every turn of the street.
Joe invited the five presidents of
the various I.0.D.E. chapters to
see the picture and they in turn
passed on the praise to their mem-
bership. They came almost en)
masse.

Joe addressed the meeting of
the Eastern Star Lodge and
spoke personally to all executives
of every large organization in Wel-
land. To top off this campaign he
put out 3,000 sensationally-worded
heralds, made up in circus style.
This goes to show all lukewarm
so-called theatre managers to
what extent some boys will go to
earn their salaries and bring the
proper returns out of a film for
the film company and the theatre
owner.

Thanks, Joe Paul of the Park
Theatre, in Welland. We want to
hear more from you.

* * * * *

ARNET HEATHERLY of the
Regent, Sudbury, just put
over a smart campaign on “Jungle
Cavalcade.” Three thousand cir-
cus heralds told the town about it
and a float made up of animals cut
out of posters in a jungle scene
showed the folks. On the box-
office he had a lion through whose
mouth were pushed tickets to the
patrons. A gorilla at large provid-
ed a good street bally.

Garnet explains that he had
only a few days notice on the
booking and didn’t get much
chance to get going. All I can
say is that I’d like to see what
happens when he really goes to
work.

ES VICARY of the Opera

4 House, Orillia, drops in an
idea he used successfully for “The
Bride Came C.O.D.” Les, besides
many other things, got several
thousand tags that go on baggage
from the railway company. On the
clear side he printed plugs for
picture and theatre.

These were distributed around
the town on doorknobs, car doors
and other available and easily-seen
spots. This idea is small but good.
It created much interest and Les
tells me that he did exceptionally
well with this Warners comedy.

* * * * *

OB MARTIN, Oriole, Toronto,
used a similar idea, the details
of which he mailed me. Bob pro-
moted 2,000 tags for his showing
of “The Lady Eve.’ Attached to
each tag was an apple which, by
the way, was darned good eating
— even sweeter than usual be-
cause they were promoted too.
These he put out at all bus
stops in his district, even board-
ing the bus and giving them to
the passengers. He also canvassed
store employees and others in his
zone. The idea was swell—which
proves that Bob isn’t missing a
bet. The copy on the tag began,
“They’ve been the downfall of man
since the beginning of time—but
one thing is certain, (Lady) Eve
sure knew her apples!”
Good work, Bob, we want to
hear more from you about what
is doing around your lovely

theatre.
* * * * *

TUART SMART of the Capitol,
Port Hope, sends in a copy .of

the daily paper in which the col-
umnist of “Heard on the Street”
tells that a woman had kissed the
wall of his theatre. Stu put lines
around the lip marks and many
people stopped by to see them.
They showed clearly. He tied it up
with the idea of a clean theatre.
Having seen Smart’s theatre, I
wish to give my personal opinion
that he and his maintenance man,
Mr. O’Connor, have the cleanest
11-year-old theatre in Ontario.
Things are taken care of immedi-
ately and never left to another
day.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
A slovenly theatre can neither win
respect nor business—and doesn’t
deserve them.

* ce * * *

Wee? FRASER, Century, Trenton,

played “Ski Patrol” and sent
a fellow dressed as a ski soldier
into neighboring towns. With copy,
of course. Business was very good

AX PHILLIPS writes from
*“ the Royal, North Bay to tell
of some of his hookups for pic-
tures. For “Road Show” he cut out
figures of stars on horses from
six-sheets and mounted them on
a home-made merry-go-round, size
5’ x 4’. He powered it with a small
motor and spotlighted the whole
thing. The setup was placed on the
marquee. The P.A. system was put
on and played calliope and electric
organ records promoted from the
local radio station. This was done
at peak business hours.

For “Pudd’n Head’ he got a
whole space in a daily feature
column in the Northland Post by
playing the pest angle—Francis
Lederer holding up a line while
gabbing in a telephone booth. Also
some attractive displays in the
city’s leading windows.

“San Antonio Rose” provided a
chance for some graceful selling.
Max promoted 200 roses from a
local florist, had a copy-carrying
card punched to hold one, and gave
them to the ladies. A merchant
kicked in 200 corsage pins. The
ladies got the roses and equipment
three days in advance. The picture
was a second feature but it gave
the whole bill a powerful push.

He took advantage of the score
by arranging to have the Hut Sut
song and San Antonio Rose fea-
tured on the music boxes, topped
with cards telling the listeners
about the show and bill.

That’s mighty nice going, Max.
Compliments and regards.

* * % * *

SSISTANT- MANAGER Stew-

art Gillespie of the Elgin, Ot-
tawa, tells how they sold ‘‘Tanks a
Million.”’ He’s the next man to Bob
Berezin, the handsome man-about-
town who handles the showplace
of the nation, which is what he
calls his house. :

In the lobby Stewart placed a
large cutout of an army mule,
with copy. Then he sent out sever-
al thousand heralds in the shape
of a mule’s ear, with these words:
“We are lending you an ear so
that you can catch all the laughs
in ‘Tanks a Million.’ Bring me to
the Elgin Theatre and pin me on
the army mule in. the lobby.”

When people bring the ears they
are blindfolded and try to pin the
ear on the mule. If they so desire
it, an usher is allowed to try it.
It creates a lot of laughter in the
lobby and interest in the film.

Good work, Stewart, let’s hear
from you again. And good work,
Bob, for encouraging your staff to
take active part in things. Stew-
art is a smart fellow and men
like him shouldn’t be used as fix-

and this simple stunt had a lot to| tures and conductors of office re-

do with it.

ports.

November lst, 194]

He. RANKIN drops a
-“ few photos in the mail of his
latest stunts in Chatham. One
stunt is a general one and good
at any time. In this case he put
a barrel in the centre of the
pavement, with a sign, “Don’t
Feed the Animals!” The top was
covered with wire mesh. Looking
into the barrel, you read copy for
his next attraction. There were
no animals. People talked about it
and for a joke sent their friends
to see the funny little animals.

Harland also came up with a
swell stunt on “Blackout.” He
built a dummy air raid shelter, all
of one piece of beaverboard, the
door having the appearance of be-
ing lined with sandbags. A young
boy carried it around and stood
behind the dummy at important
corners. It’s just a front but looks
convincing.

% * * * *

| Bae GURR of the Century,

Hamilton, tied in an air force
parade to “A Yank in the R.A.F.”
Several boys followed the parade
with signs, telling about where
and to what the parade was head-
ed.

He also tied in a large clothing
store for window displays. The
windows, displaying uniforms for
men and women, also carried plug-
copy. Sharing the windows were
large cutouts of Power and Grable
in uniform. The firm also gave
newspaper lineage decorated with
good-sized cuts of the stars.

The theatre lobby featured ad-
vance cutouts and he promoted
plugs over the radio. At a night
game in Hamilton stadium he got
free announcements. Hot dogs
were sold wrapped in napkins
bearing copy. And that ain’t all.
Good going, Lloyd lad. I see
you’re in your second week from
the Hamilton papers. I hope you
knock over four or more.

* cS * * *

W. want to hear from every

theatre manager who reads
this paper. Please send in your
stunts. Big’ or small, we all want
to hear from you, whether you’re
in Nova Scotia or beautiful British
Columbia—or closer. Drop us. a
line once a week or once a month.
But let’s get together here.

THE SUCCESS.

-_of your .

THEATRE

depends upon —

GOOD EQUIPMENT

consult

GENERA

THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY Ltd.

104 BOND STREET * 336 MAYOR STREET
“TORONTO © MONTREAL ~~.

November Ist, 1941

, The Exhibitor

CINEMA BUNS Biss muacax |Ascap Signs

The American Way

(John Carlyle in the Halifax Chronicle)

“I am interested only in speaking from American soil—
under the American flag—to Americans.” The orator shouted
in English.

He spoke according to the oratorical tradition—a tradition
first perfected by the inhabitants of Greece. He employed some
thunderous Roman words—several phrases from the Bible (which
was written by the Jews), a few French literary devices, and many
turns of speech first thought up by Englishmen. Several words
he used were derived from the German, several from the Russian,
many from the Italian—in fact, to trace them all one would
need a dictionary including all the languages of man.

The American soil on which he stood also had its history.
Once it was owned by dinosaurs, mammoths, and the ancestor of
For a while a tribe of Indians called it theirs. Later
For a brief

the horse.
on it was in the possession of Spanish gentlemen.
period it was worked by Africans.

The American flag which he pointed to throughout his
harangue must have smiled if flags can smile. It was made of
Japanese silk, dyed with German dyes. It hung on a pole im-
ported from India, tipped by a golden eagle which a clever foreign
goldsmith had made. The rope, has tassels (a Chinese invention)
anda was twisted on a machine first devised by a Swiss, I believe.

And the Americans he addressed. What an odd collection
of nationalities was represented in that audience! The descend-
ants of English, Irish, Indians, Spanish, Jewish, Arabs, Germans,
French, Poles, Dutch and Russians were all there. There were
grandsons of Africans, grandsons of Persians, Turks, Danes,
Alsatians, Greeks, Creoles, Dalmatians, Flemish, and a hundred
others—some grandsons of nationalities which no longer exist.

If that pompous orator had said: “I speak to the lovers of
democracy,’ one might have been able to take his words seriously.
If he had said “I address all those lovers of freedom who have
united to call themselves Americans.” If he had merely began:
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Human Race.” ana

But he didn’t. He bellowed out: “Upon American soil—under
the American flag—to Americans!” and thoughtful people had
to smile.

$$ 5
FOR BRIGHTER
MORE DEPENDABLE

With Networks

ASCAP music, off the air since
January ist, returned to radio on
October 31st. Both NBC and. CBS
signed a nine-year agreement with
the American Society of Compos-
ers, Authors and Publishers. The
Mutual network signed an ASCAP
deal some time ago. Broadcast
Music Inc., organized by the
chains to replace ASCAP, will
continue.

The contract provides that the
networks will pay ASCAP at the
source 234 per cent of time sales
volume minus certain discounts,
and the individual station will pay
2% per cent. Under the old agree-
ment the total collected was 5 per
cent but it was paid by the indivi-
dual stations. The stoppage cost
ASCAP over $4,000,000. But they
partly won their point—that pay-
ment should be made at the
source.

Canada remained unaffected by
the fight.

ASCAP’s troubles aren’t over.
Several exhibitor bodies in the
U.S.A. have gone to court over
the per seat tax on theatres. In
Canada the Canadian Performing
Right Society acts for ASCAP.

Announcement

Trailers

Call

FILMART

EL. 6564
45 Richmond East

Toronto, Canada

Fantasia in "42

General release date for ‘Fan-
tasia’’ in the USA will be on Janu-
ary ist, 1942, RKO announced.

1930 -

1941

THE RADIO in eleven years? No comparison!

THE AUTOMOBILE—enormous betterment.

THE TELEPHONE—totally different and better.
THE TRAIN—air conditioned, streamlined, smooth.

ANY ITEM you care to

mention—modern, efficient,

| better during the passing of the years.

Your Sound System — there's the rub. Ob-

solete as the dodo-bird—only you can fully
understand it. Why not wise up? -Give the
audience a break and the box office a job to do.

A man asked a bartender for
a drink in a goblet. He drank it,
ate the bowl and threw the stem
away. He ordered another and did
the same thing. After the sixth
repetition he noticed the bartend-
er’s amazed stare.

LIGHT

USE

EDISON MAZDA LAMPS

Instal Modern Theatre Sound !

It’s not really expensive, and it quickly pays for itself.
Full information for the asking.

COLEMAN ELECTRIC

COMPANY

“Tll bet you think I’m crazy,”
the man: said.

‘
AG

MADE IN
CANADA

“You sure are,” the bartender
replied. “You’re throwing away
the best part of the drink!”

258 VICTORIA ST. TORONTO, ONT.

$$

Ya)

CANADIAN GENERAL ELECTRIC Cinice

9
Z

Page 8

The Exhibitor

Buy

Novernber «Ist, 194]

WAR SAVINGS

CERTIFICATES

regularly!

IS BEING TAUGHT TO DEM AND

VISION

higher toch of

LIGHTING

Put your theatre in line with this growing demand for
BETTER THEATRE LIGHTING

Install HIGH INTENSITY PROJECTION with
NATIONAL Projector Carbons

TRADE*MARK

The New “ONE KILOWATT” Arcs bring High Intensity
projection within the budget of the smallest theatre.

CANADIAN NATIONAL CARBON CO. LIMITED
CARBON SALES DIVISION

Halifax, Montreal, TORONTO, Winnipeg, Vancouver

New Shorts from Associated

Strange, little-known and almost
unbelievable facts are to be found
in almost every part of Canada,
as proven in the new Canadian
Cameo “Did You Know That?”
produced by Associated Screen
Studios of Montreal. The sixth edi-
tion of the ‘Did You Know That?”
short has been released to Cana-
dian theatres.

Are you interested in the odd
quirks performed by nature? In
Canada’s Rocky Mountains is an
open-air swimming pool that is
used all winter. High up in the
ice-clad mountains, with the ther-
mometer far below zero ardent
swimmers doff their fur coats to
dive in for a warm swim—in hot
water supplied by nature.

In this Christian nation you

could, if you wished, attend Mo-

hammedan service in the worship
of Allah. In Edmonton, Alberta,
there is a mosque erected to the
greater glory of Mohammed. Here
is a curious transplanting of a bit
of the far east to Canada’s west.

There is a place where ships are
repaired on the bottom of the
ocean; a grave-stone marks the
burial place of an obscure woman
who claimed to be a _ princess of
the British Royal Family; a run-
away steel barge nearly crashed
over Niagara Falls—but is still
| ceae in the rapids; these and
other odd and unusual items make
up the “Did You Know That?”

short subject, sixth edition as re-
ported from all parts of Canada
by Associated Screen News.
* * *

Seven-year-old David MacDoug-
all made his first appearance be-
fore motion picture cameras last
week. Just at that time, word was
received that his father, Lieuten-
ant Jack MacDougall, has been
placed in charge of the Canadian
Army -Film Unit overseas. Pre-
viously a motion picture director
with Associated Screen Studios of
Montreal, he left for overseas last
year. His new appointment will
provide newsreel and propaganda
film coverage of Canadian army
units on active service. Young Da-
vid MacDougall,
father’s footsteps, is playing a bit
in “Those Other Days,” a musical
short reviving popular songs of
the last war. This short is nearing
completion at Associated Screen
Studios, and features songs made
famous by the ‘“Dumbells’” concert
party formed by men out of the
trenches of Flanders who later
made themselves the toast of more
than one continent. ‘‘Red’”’ (Ain’t it
a lovely war) Newman and Ross
(Marjorie) Hamilton go through
scenes familiar to the stage, but
scenes which have never before
been enacted before movie camer-
as. “Those Other Days’ is being
produced for the National Film
Board.

following in his.

i
{

tli Ea am Ni hag EE IE: Ss

ppee ls penae

beagle

Pa Meet atin old Sat

»

|
z|

Nae SL a Sean aN TTT SON ER ENR |e ie UMD